Return of the Buffalo Project

During his visit to the Morris Crow Piercing Sundance on the Blood Indian Reserve (which is part of the Blackfoot Confederacy), Jens Albrecht from Münster, Germany, had the idea of bringing back the buffalo to the native people of the Reserve. This idea was discussed with elders from the Sundance Community and was accepted with their full support.

The loss of the buffalo is also directly associated with the loss of native culture and spirituality. This symbolic act of bringing back the buffalo offers a healing process of the injustices forced upon the native people. It will offer a big step towards the healing of the culture, alleviating poverty and some of the social conditions.

  With the support of contributors from across Europe, the actualiztion of this idea is now becoming a reality.

 Under the management of Jens Albrect the money needed has been raised to complete the  project as soon as possible with the establishment of this herd on the Reservation . With the return of the buffalo, this also symbolizes the return of the culture and the people's independence

  The buffalo is the symbol of culture, sprituality, prosperity and with it´s return will do its part to bring back better conditions to the Reservation. As we hear from Canada, the United Church has realized the symbolic power of this vision and is looking for ways to add their support.

  Morris Crow Spreads his wings (Last Tail Feathers), Chief of the Piercing Sundance, has stated "that never in his life time did he ever expect to see buffalo coming over the hill".

The project is divided into a number of phases, which would allow us to see the project to its completion. With support from Alberta Agriculture and with the technical assistance of Gerald Hauer (their Bison Production Specialist) we have the needed expertise to see the return of the buffalo.

Phase 1:            Education

Buffalo are wild animals and have very different behaviour patterns, it is important to learn about them and how best to handle them. Our consultant has suggested that we read as much information as we can and also to view at least 5 different buffalo operations, he has offered to send us the names of 5 different ranches in our area. We have started by reviewing material he has provided as well as accessing information over the Internet.

Other areas we need to learn about are:

Phase 2:            Land preparation

An area has been identified for the handling facilities. This area presently has an old corral and fenced off pasture area. We will need to dismantle this and clear it out.   

Access to water is critical for buffalo and in order to provide for this there are several possibilities:

-                     pumping from river

-                     placing a barrier at one of the coulees for collection of water

-                     an existing water hole may be spring fed and usable

Phase 2a:            Handling Facility

This is the most critical part of working with buffalo, this area must be built in a manner that buffalo feel comfortable in and is safe and strong. The following need to be taken into consideration. 

Handling facilities:

-                     location

-                   design

-           materials

-                     time line

Gates and enclosures

Phase 3:     Animal Selection and Moving

The bison specialist has offered to help in finding healthy animals for our herd. From selection, then we need to transport the animals to this location. The buffalo will be held in the handling area for approximately two months, in order that there is an imprint made on them.  Through this process they will know were there is feed and water, they will at a later date move in an out of this area, making handling easier.

  Phase 4:     Parameter Fencing

The area for fencing has been roughly identified, the bison specialist will send in a professional fencer to identify the needs, problems and costs involved. Other considerations in the fencing are gates, cattle guards and cross-fencing.